Journeys and goals
If I want to use SMART goals, which journey type do I choose
If I want to use SMART goals, which journey type do I choose
Choose Direct Goal-Setting. In Mana, this is the global term for SMART goals it's the same approach.
Can I have an inquiry and a SMART goal at the same time in the same journey?
Can I have an inquiry and a SMART goal at the same time in the same journey?
Yes. If you start with a Professional Inquiry, Coach Sue will help you develop your inquiry focus, and you can add SMART (direct) goals as sub-goals within that same journey. You don't need to open a separate journey for each.
Should I have one plan with multiple focus areas, or open a new goal for each area?
Should I have one plan with multiple focus areas, or open a new goal for each area?
One journey, blending multiple goals. Mana is built around a holistic approach, combining related goals in a single journey leads to deeper thinking and more meaningful practice change.
Can I delete a goal I started accidentally?
Can I delete a goal I started accidentally?
Yes, you can delete it and start again.
We don't close the growth cycle until the last conversation with the mentor. Where does the evaluation happen?
We don't close the growth cycle until the last conversation with the mentor. Where does the evaluation happen?
The closing conversation happens in person, off Mana. Once that's done, you can close the journey in the app. Use the meeting notes and comments section within Mana to track what was discussed and agreed.
Can I include a reflection in the PLD section?
Can I include a reflection in the PLD section?
Not directly in the PLD section at this stage, but you can capture reflections within your journey using the "Teacher reflection" option. Further design updates are planned.
As an area manager, will my journey draw on information from all the centres I'm linked to?
As an area manager, will my journey draw on information from all the centres I'm linked to?
Yes, for up to about 5–20 centres. Your Grow journey links to you personally and draws from all centres you're associated with. There's also a Grow Reporting section that gives you an overview across your centres.
Can a group of centres work on an inquiry together, drawing on QIPs from multiple centres?
Can a group of centres work on an inquiry together, drawing on QIPs from multiple centres?
Not yet, but it's something the team is considering for future design iterations.
Mentors and mentoring
Does my mentor have to be my team leader?
Does my mentor have to be my team leader?
No, you choose who you add as your mentor. It could be your team leader, PPL, Area Manager, or another person who's the right fit for you.
Can I have more than one mentor?
Can I have more than one mentor?
Yes, you can add more than one mentor.
Where can I see my mentees?
Where can I see my mentees?
There's a section on your Grow dashboard where you can see all your mentees and click into each of their profiles.
Does my mentor get a notification when I add them?
Does my mentor get a notification when I add them?
Not at this stage, but once you've been assigned as a mentee, your mentor will be able to see you on their dashboard.
Where do I add context before a mentoring meeting?
Where do I add context before a mentoring meeting?
Go to the Mentoring section, then find the Preparation area. Use the "Pre-meeting reflection" to add notes or context before your session.
Your profile and roles
Can I edit my role if I change positions?
Can I edit my role if I change positions?
Yes, you can update your role at any time.
My exact role isn't listed, what do I do?
My exact role isn't listed, what do I do?
A PPL role is being added in the near future. In the meantime, select the closest available role.
I'm a Montessori teacher. What role do I select?
I'm a Montessori teacher. What role do I select?
Choose your most closely aligned teaching role, and upload your Montessori-specific resources (such as Montessori Journey to Excellence) to your files section.
Is Grow a performance management tool?
Is Grow a performance management tool?
No. Mana is a teaching intelligence platform, not an HR or performance management system. It's designed to support professional growth, not report on staff performance.
What about non-teaching staff, how does Grow work for us?
What about non-teaching staff, how does Grow work for us?
Non-teaching staff won't have observations required as part of their Grow experience.
If I'm a regional manager with a large number of team members, how does Grow work for me?
If I'm a regional manager with a large number of team members, how does Grow work for me?
Grow is personal to each individual user, regardless of the size of your team. Your own Grow level and journey is about your professional development, not your team's.
Resources and professional learning
What should centre managers upload to Team Resources
What should centre managers upload to Team Resources
Prioritise documents that reflect your centre's specific context and priorities. Good starting points include: the Quality Practice Template (QPT), Montessori Journey to Excellence (where relevant), Curriculum Design Procedure, Communication and Consultation Procedure, your current Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), your Strategic Plan, your local philosophy, and any QRS priority areas relevant to your centre.
How will educators track the PLDs they've completed?
How will educators track the PLDs they've completed?
Each educator has a personal files section in Mana where they can add their PD records and uploads.
I already have my PGC set up outside of Mana. What do I do?
I already have my PGC set up outside of Mana. What do I do?
Copy and paste your existing PGC content into Mana. Storypark will sunset at the end of June, so it's worth getting this done ahead of time.
Will the NZ Teachers Council Code of Ethics be included?
Will the NZ Teachers Council Code of Ethics be included?
Not yet, but it'll be added as a reference document in the near future.